Good nutrition means knowing your nutrients. Your body needs a variety of nutrients to remain healthy. In fact, there are six categories of nutrients which our bodies need each day:
* carbohydrate,
* protein,
* fat,
* vitamins,
* minerals, and
* water.

In addition, most nutrition professionals agree that fiber is also essential. What do each of these nutrients do and why are they considered essential? Carbohydrates play a major role in supplying energy to the body and maintaining normal blood glucose levels. Carbohydrates are found in highest concentration in grains and cereals and are also present in fruits, vegetables and dairy products. Carbohydrates occurs naturally in the form of sugars, starches and cellulose. Cellulose is the fiber important to regular bowel movements. It may reduce our risk of chronic diseases, such as heart disease and colon cancer.

Protein is an essential nutrient primarily found in foods of animal origin, including meats, poultry, fish and dairy products. The word protein is derived form a Greek word meaning "of prime importance". Proteins are essential to the making of muscle, normal immune response, and enzyme actions in the body. Every cell in the body requires protein for normal function.

Fats, or lipids, are a third important nutrient for life. Every cell in the body is surrounded by a cell wall made to a large extent of lipid. Lipid also maintains the structure and support of our organs. Some fat, each day, is essential to health. Fat is found in many foods of animal origin such as meats and dairy products but is also abundant in nuts, seeds and certain plants such as coconut and avocado.

Diets deficient in vitamins and minerals can lead to clinical disease and even death. The U.S. RDA is our best guide to knowing the minimum amounts needed to avoid deficiency states. The intake levels needed for vitamin and minerals to optimize health and prevent disease are still being researched.

Finally, our bodies need water. It is the major constituent of cells. Without water the human body cannot survive for more than a few days. Water can be consumed in the form of drinking water, beverages, soups, or eating fruits and vegetables.

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